> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Updating WordPress manually

> Discover how to easily update WordPress for enhanced stability and security in this guide.

This article describes how to update a [WordPress](https://hosting.com/hosting/platforms/wordpress-hosting/managed-wordpress-hosting/) site manually.

<Note>
  There are other ways to update WordPress:

  * You can update WordPress using Softaculous. For information about how to do this, please see [this article](/docs/manage-your-applications).

  * You can update WordPress using the command line. For information about how do this, please see [this article](/docs/administering-wordpress-from-the-command-line).
</Note>

## Updating WordPress manually

You should update a [WordPress](https://hosting.com/hosting/platforms/wordpress-hosting) installation frequently to ensure it is running the latest version. There are several reasons for this:

* **Security:** WordPress updates contain fixes that patch security vulnerabilities. One of the most important things you can do to maintain a more secure WordPress site is apply updates regularly.

* **Stability:** WordPress updates contain fixes that patch bugs and other issues. Your site is more stable when you apply the latest updates.

* **New features:** WordPress is continually improving, and by running the latest version, you have access to the latest features and functionality.

To update WordPress, follow these steps:

1. Log in to WordPress as the administrator.

2. In the left sidebar, click **Dashboard**, and when updates are available, the number of updates are indicated in a red circle:\
   ![WordPress dashboard - updates](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wp-dashboard-update.png)

3. Click **Updates**. WordPress displays any updates available for the WordPress core installation, plugins, and themes:

* To update WordPress, click **Upgrade Automatically**.

* To update plugins, select the plugin or plugins that you want to update, and then click **Update Plugins**.

* To update themes, select the theme or themes that you want to update, and then click **Update Themes**.

4. To keep the WordPress site updated automatically, click the **Switch to automatic updates…** link:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/Screenshot_2021-08-10_at_1.29.51_PM_.png)

<Tip>
  The previous procedure describes how to update WordPress manually. However, you can configure WordPress sites for automatic updates by combining cron jobs and the WP-CLI program. For information about how to do this, please see [this article](/docs/administering-wordpress-from-the-command-line).
</Tip>

## Related articles

* [WordPress security](/docs/wordpress-security)

* [Determining the WordPress version](/docs/determining-the-wordpress-version)